Violent Crimes

All crimes of violence are taken very seriously by prosecutors and judges in Florida. People accused of these types of offenses are seen as obvious dangers to society, often providing juries with additional incentive to make sure alleged offenders are locked up for as long as possible.

A conviction for any kind of violent crime can have extremely long-lasting and far-reaching consequences. Background checks that reveal criminal records with violent offenses lead to negative outcomes in matters concerning employment, housing, or other activities.

Lawyer for Violent Crimes in Miami-Dade County, Florida

If you were recently arrested for any kind of violent offense, it is in your best interest to seek legal representation as soon as possible. The Hoffman Firm defends clients accused of these crimes in Kendall, Miami Gardens, Ojus, Pinecrest, Sunny Isles Beach, Westchester, and many other communities in Miami-Dade County.

Evan A. Hoffman is a criminal defense attorney in Miami who fights to get criminal charges reduced or dismissed. He can review your case and help you explore all of your legal options as soon as you call (305) 249-0090 today to schedule a free, confidential consultation.

Convictions for any of these offenses can carry steep penalties, but Florida’s 10-20-Life Law also imposes strict minimum sentences in cases of felony offenses involving the use or attempted use of a firearm or destructive device. Enhanced penalties can also apply if an act of violence is determined to be a “hate crime”—an offense in which the alleged offender intentionally selects an alleged victim based on his or her race, color, religion, ethnicity, ancestry, national origin, sexual orientation, mental or physical disability, or advanced age.

In 2005, Florida enacted a “Stand Your Ground” law that justified the use of deadly force in certain situations. Prior to the Stand Your Ground, Florida had long recognized the castle doctrine—a legal concept under which a person’s home is essentially his or her castle and, thus, the homeowner is afforded immunity from legal consequences of protecting him or herself in the home.

The law previously held that people had a duty to use every reasonable means within their power to avoid the danger—including retreat—before using deadly force. Stand Your Ground now makes it such that a person who is attacked in his or her dwelling, residence, or vehicle has no duty to retreat and has the right to stand his or her ground and use or threaten to use force, including deadly force, when that person reasonably believes that such conduct is necessary to defend himself, herself, or another party against another person’s imminent use of unlawful force or to prevent the imminent commission of a forcible felony.

Florida Statute § 776.012 establishes that a person who uses or threatens to use force in accordance with the law does not have a duty to retreat before using or threatening to use such force. Additionally, Florida Statute § 776.012 states that a person is presumed to have held a reasonable fear of imminent peril of death or great bodily harm to himself, herself, or another person when using or threatening to use defensive force that is intended or likely to cause death or great bodily harm to another if:

The person against whom the defensive force was used or threatened was in the process of unlawfully and forcefully entering, or had unlawfully and forcibly entered, a dwelling, residence, or occupied vehicle, or if that person had removed or was attempting to remove another against that person’s will from the dwelling, residence, or occupied vehicle; and

The person who uses or threatens to use defensive force knew or had reason to believe that an unlawful and forcible entry or unlawful and forcible act was occurring or had occurred.

Victim Services | Miami-Dade County — The Miami-Dade Police Department's Special Victim's Bureau (SVB) assists victims of violent crimes by facilitating services and serving as a liaison to community agencies and the criminal justice system. You can find answers to frequently asked questions about these cases on this section of the department’s website. The Florida Attorney General also has a Division of Victim Services, including one unit in Miami.

Victim | Florida Department of Corrections — Victim Services for the Office of Community Corrections assists the victims of crimes committed by inmates in the department's custody or under its supervision, and notifies victims prior to an inmate's release. The office provides referral services to victims with specific needs, such as counseling, support groups, crimes compensation, and crisis intervention. On this website, you can find information about the Victim Information and Notification Everyday (VINE) service, how restitution is collected, and answers to frequently asked questions.

Were you arrested in Florida for allegedly committing a crime of violence? You should contact The Hoffman Firm before you say anything to authorities.

Miami criminal defense attorney Evan A. Hoffman is a former Assistant State Attorney who now fights to protect the rights of clients in Miami-Dade County, including such communities as Palm Springs North, North Bay Village, Richmond West, Hialeah Gardens, Olympia Heights, Medley, and many others. Call (305) 249-0090 or complete an online contact form right now to receive a free initial consultation that will allow our lawyer to provide a full evaluation of your case.

"I found myself in an unfortunate situation. A fried gave me Evan' s personal number and we spoke for over an hour. I felt so reassured and grateful for his time. Needless to say I write this review with great pleasure. A call to thank evan would not be justified as I want anyone who ever finds themselves in my situation to know who to call. Thank you evan I cannot say enough good things about you." Alexander

★★★★★

Mr. Hoffman was able to get my offenses reduces to a lesser degree. His fees are one of the lowest that I could find for the type of representation that I required. If I ever need to be represented by an attorney I would surely use Mr. Hoffman again. C. Wright

★★★★★

“HE’S THE BEST!!” If I could give a 10 stars I would. Very professional, kind and understanding. Very prompt in returning my phone calls and updating me on everything. He provided his cell phone number in case I had any question or concerns. I RECOMMEND HIM. He takes his time with you and makes sure you understand STEP BY STEP. So GLAD I picked him. GOT HIM ON SPEED DIAL. Hopefully this helps someone in knowing that they will not be wasting their money. Claudia

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